A FORMER fire station manager saw his dream of a community garden for school children and residents become reality.

Frank Sweeney was joined by children from Grangetown Primary School and Cleveland Fire Brigade’s chief fire officer Ian Hayton for the official opening of a “grow and learn” garden next to Grangetown Fire Station.

“I am very proud to be here today,” said the station’s former manager.

Children inspected the garden, where they will be growing vegetables and learning about healthy eating.

And Year 6 pupil Quinn Doyle, 10, said: “It’s pretty cool, I’m surprised that they built it this fast actually.”

Frank conceived the idea of building the garden after the fire crew visited youngsters

“We were at the school and they told me they had no outdoor places for the kids to go and I knew there was waste land here so we were able to agree the land. I thought it would be a great way to encourage kids to learn about food and, at the same time, really integrate the fire station into the local community,” he said.

He added the scheme would not have been possible without funding from local businesses.

“Ideas are great but we need money to make them a reality so we have to thank the businesses that have helped us, particularly Impetus Trust,” he added.

Residents and allotment holders will also be invited to help maintain the garden when the school can’t.

Work on the garden was carried out over six weeks by Saltburn- based firm Dig It Projects.

Dig It Projects director Richard Smith said: “The area looks great and everyone involved is extremely happy with the outcome, allowing the local schools and residents to access the garden area to enjoy and work with.”